65th fighter squadron ww2
65th aggressor squadron patch!
F-16 aggressor squadronFrom a distance and just for a moment, it appears as though former Soviet Union SU-27 Flanker fighter aircraft have invaded the skies over Las Vegas. Closer inspection reveals striking camouflaged F-15 Eagle's of the 65th Aggressor Squadron returning from a training mission.
Nellis Air Force Base, the sprawling USAF mega-base six miles northeast of the glittering Vegas strip is considered the "Home of the Fighter Pilot". It is also home of the USAF Weapons Center and the Red Flag air combat training program and the 64th and 65th adversary tactics squadrons.
F-35 aggressor paint scheme
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Re-activated in late 2005 under the command of Lt. Colonel Larry Bruce, the 65th AGRS flies a dozen Eagles now and is expecting to receive a total of twenty four. Initially the 65th stood up at Nellis AFB on 15 November 1975 flying the F-5E Tiger.
As the aggressor program constricted, the 65th was de-activated. Over time and with the support of the current senior leadership the aggressor program is experiencing a resurgence.